sump

noun

\ ˈsəmp

How to pronounce sump (audio)

\

Definition of sump

1 : a pit or reservoir serving as a drain or receptacle for liquids: such as

a : cesspool

b : a pit at the lowest point in a circulating or drainage system (such as the oil-circulating system of an internal combustion engine)

c chiefly British : oil pan

2 British : crankcase

3 [German Sumpf, literally, marsh, from Middle High German — more at swamp]

a : the lowest part of a mine shaft into which water drains

b : an excavation ahead of regular work in driving a mine tunnel or sinking a mine shaft

4 : something resembling a sump : sink sense 2

Examples of sump in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Base price: $222,620 Price, as tested: $278,221 Powertrain: twin-turbocharged, 3.9-liter DOHC V8 with dry-sump lubrication; eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with manual paddle shifters; rear drive with torque vectoring. — Dan Neil, WSJ, "2021 Ferrari Roma: A High-Tech Sports Car With a Midcentury Look," 30 Apr. 2021 This is the result of a boost in the child tax credit from $2,000 a year (paid as a lump sump previously at tax time) to $3,600 a year for the younger children and $3,000 for others. — Rich Exner, cleveland, "IRS clarifies payment plans for expanded child tax credit, unemployment deductions as part of stimulus - That’s Rich!," 21 Apr. 2021 Battery-backup sump pumps range in price from about $150 to over $600, depending on the capacity of the pump. — Joseph Truini, Popular Mechanics, "Keep Your Basement Flooding-Free With One of These Best Sump Pumps," 17 Mar. 2021 Others show holes in netting around sump ponds meant to keep out wildlife and birds attracted by the shiny, sticky pools. — Janet Wilson, ProPublica, "Are California Oil Companies Complying With the Law? Even Regulators Often Don’t Know.," 22 Mar. 2021 When properly installed and maintained, traditional electric sump pumps do a great job of keeping basements and crawl spaces dry. — Joseph Truini, Popular Mechanics, "Keep Your Basement Flooding-Free With One of These Best Sump Pumps," 17 Mar. 2021 Choice also provides protection for well pumps, sump pumps, roof leaks, and septic systems through additional coverage options. — Better Homes & Gardens, "The 6 Best Home Warranty Companies in Philadelphia (2021)," 12 Mar. 2021 Wet-sump oiling and a vent system with external oil separator and drain back help the engine survive extreme track conditions. — Jack R. Nerad, Forbes, "Hot & Ready: 4 Born-To-Thrill Luxury Cars On The Way Now," 27 Feb. 2021 Some sump pumps are water powered, while others work on electricity. — Alaa Elassar, CNN, "After the snow melts, the flooding will begin. Here's how to prepare," 21 Feb. 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sump.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

9 May 2021

Cite this Entry

“Sump.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sump. Accessed 11 May. 2021.

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More Definitions for sump

sump

noun

English Language Learners Definition of sump

: a low part or area where liquid collects when it drains from something

See the full definition for sump in the English Language Learners Dictionary

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